Even though Aaron Hernandez isn’t free to walk to streets as he’s currently being held in prison on a murder charge, he’s technically free to sign with any NFL team after clearing waivers Thursday.

Except he no longer has that freedom, either. If a team decides to harbor Hernandez before his legal situation is resolved, the league said the move would need commissioner Roger Goodell's approval before going into effect.

“NFL clubs were advised (Thursday) that if Aaron Hernandez enters into a player contract prior to the resolution of the charges pending against him, the contract will not be approved or take effect until Commissioner Roger Goodell holds a hearing,” the league said via a statement. “The purpose of the hearing would be to determine whether Hernandez should be suspended or face other action prior to the charges being resolved.”

Hernandez was charged with murdering Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old man from Dorchester, Wednesday afternoon. He is currently being held in prison without bail.

The former Patriots tight end is also being investigated to a double murder that occurred in Boston last July.